Diastat AcuDial Quick Facts

Diastat is a rectal medication of diazepam (valium) approved for treatment of prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures.

When should Diastat be given?

Diastat should be given for seizures lasting longer than five minutes or a cluster of seizures that occurs one right after the other.

How soon should the seizure stop after giving Diastat?

After giving the Diastat, the caregiver should notice effects of the medication within five minutes. If the seizure continues another five minutes, a second Diastat can be given as well as seeking medical attention (call 911 or going to local emergency room).

If Diastat stops the seizure, what should you do?

Continue to monitor the child. It is not always necessary to take him/her to the emergency room unless he/she is having trouble breathing or has become injured during the seizure.

What are the side effects of Diastat?

The most common side effect is sleepiness. The child will most likely be tired from the seizure activity, also. Other less likely side effects include: dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, nervousness, feeling unsteady or clumsy, or a rash.